THE sister of a soldier who was killed during a bomb blast 60 years ago says she can “now die happy” after she was presented with the Elizabeth Cross in his honour.

Private John Lindop Beattie was just 19 when he served with the 1st Battalion Highland Light Infantry more than 60 years ago.

He was deployed to Cyprus as part of the Cyprus Emergency Peace Keeping Force in January 1956, but was killed when a rogue bomb exploded while he was enjoying an off-duty game of football with his comrades.

John, from Glasgow, was one of three soldiers who lost their lives in the tragedy in the town of Lefkoniko.

Now, almost 60 years on, his family were finally yesterday handed the Elizabeth Cross in his memory.

The medal was created to provide national recognition for the families of armed forces personnel who have died on operations or as a result of an act of terrorism.

Jean Andrew, 73, who was 12 at the time of her brother’s death, remembered him as a “really nice” boy.

Speaking after a ceremony at Glasgow City Chambers, she said: “The Elizabeth Cross means a lot. I’ll die happy now.”

Ptes Beattie and Ben Doherty, survived the initial blast and were rushed to the Military Hospital, Nicosia, Cyprus. They later died of their injuries. Private Neely was killed instantly. A total of 371 British servicemen lost their lives in what some call ‘The forgotten conflict’ between April 1, 1955 and April 18, 1959.

Ms Andrew added: “I remember all the friends and neighbours collecting with big milk tins in the dance halls to get the money to bring his body home.

“Nobody had anything in these days. We wouldn’t have got them home if it wasn’t for all those people. I feel our brothers, and the others who died, were forgotten."

She said the loss had a great impact on her family and recalled some of the remaining memories she had of her brother.

Ms Andrew added: “He loved cycling and swimming. He was also a great singer in the style of his idol, Nat King Cole. He didn’t have much of a life – he was too young to die. I remember my mother turned into an old woman overnight. It just finished her.”

Pte Beattie was the oldest child of Hannah and John Beattie. He had three sisters, Betty, Jean and Agnes, as well as a brother Robert.

Pte Beattie was buried at the Military Cemetery, Nicosia, but thanks to the fundraising efforts his body was repatriated and now rests at Lambhill Cemetery in Glasgow.

Glasgow Lord Provost Sadie Docherty added: “It’s my honour and pleasure to present the Elizabeth Cross.

I know it’s a source of great pride and comfort to surviving family members.”